The serious health risks associated with construction dust

Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in materials like sand, sandstone, and granite, as well as in many construction products such as concrete and mortar. Everyday construction activities, such as cutting, drilling, or grinding, can release silica dust into the air. The most hazardous form is Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), which is made up of particles small enough to be inhaled deeply into the lungs, leading to significant health risks. 

 

A wide range of construction materials, including cement, gypsum, limestone, marble, and dolomite, either contain no silica or only trace amounts. Despite the lower silica content, these materials still generate dust during use. Additionally, when working with products like bricks, non-silica dust often mixes with silica dust, further increasing the potential for exposure. 

 

Wood remains a staple material on construction sites. Whether working with softwoods, hardwoods, or engineered wood products such as MDF and chipboard, sawing and machining these materials produces wood dust. This dust can pose serious health hazards, regardless of the wood type or product being used. 

Workplace exposure to construction dust is a significant health threat in Great Britain, with serious consequences for workers’ lives. RCS is especially dangerous. HSE research suggests that around 500 deaths occur annually as a direct result of workplace exposure to this fine silica dust.  

 

These deaths are often the result of diseases like silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD, all of which can lead to permanent disability and early death. HSE also estimates that around 4,000 people die every year from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) linked to work. Construction workers are one of the at-risk groups within this because of the dust that they breathe. Regularly breathing in construction dust is a leading cause of occupational lung disease, and the risk is heightened in the construction sector due to the frequency and intensity of dust-generating tasks.  

 

The figures highlight a persistent and preventable problem. Thousands of workers continue to be exposed every year, and the health impacts are often severe and irreversible. 

Employers in the construction sector are legally required to control exposure to hazardous dust, including silica and wood dust, under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. These laws mandate a proactive approach to safeguarding workers’ health on site. 

Employers must carry out a thorough COSHH risk assessment to identify hazardous dusts present during construction activities and evaluate the risks they pose. 

The law requires employers to prevent or, where this isn’t possible, adequately control exposure to construction dust.  

Training is a vital part of preventing health risks from construction dust. Ensuring that workers and supervisors are properly educated about the dangers of dust exposure and how to control it, empowers everyone on site to take the right precautions and follow safe working practices. Regular training helps reinforce the importance of using control measures, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and recognising early signs of dust-related health issues. 

 

The Roofbase Training Academy offers a Construction Dust Awareness Online Course designed to help workers understand the risks associated with construction dust and the steps necessary to protect themselves and others. This course is available free of charge from the Roofbase Training Academy, making it accessible for all construction professionals looking to improve site safety and compliance.  

Knowledge is the key to safeguarding your employees from the dangers of exposure to construction dusts. 

By investing in training, employers demonstrate their commitment to worker safety while protecting their business from the significant costs associated with workplace injuries and serious illnesses. 

You can see full details of our online training and virtual courses here or email Lesley Hughes, Roofbase Training Manager, for more information.